Lightweight
Concrete Floating Structure Experiment

(Pelagic:
adj. Free swimming. Living in open ocean.)

This is an experiment in the
construction of large-scale floating concrete platforms as pelagic
habitats. This site is a nexus to focus and coordinate activity, and
a repository for project documentation. It contains some
well-researched information, some tested and untested designs, some
information of uncertain accuracy, and some blatant speculation. We
will try to make the distinctions explicit. The principals can be
reached via pelagic@xsmail.com.
(PGP Key)

The experiment is part of a projectto construct such a habitat, and
operate it as a profitable enterprise. In
this experiment, we will construct a ¼-scale model and float
it in flat water. Theobjectivesof the experiment are to become
proficient in the use of cellular concrete (the key component),
develop construction techniques for the modular platform, and debug
the initial design.

The assembly methods developed here
could also be applied to the construction of low-cost floating
bridges and docks, and to low cost housing, plant, or storage on
land.

A
foam generator has been designed and tested. We are now up to speed
on the production of cellular concrete and a mixture has been
selected. Cured samples are ready for strength testing.. Experiments
to test the viability of the neutral bouyancy water bag casting
technique have been sucessfull. A 600lb
four foot 1/12 scale model has been constructed to test the assembly
procedure. Testing of the completed model is not yet complete.
Results of this part of the experiment and some pictures are hereThe next step in the planis the development of a heat-sealing
jig for the larger plastic bags, and initiation of the 12 foot ¼
scale model phase.

Resources
and Links

This
is an excellent, comprehensive treatment of concrete basics, types,
and production.

A very good description of producing
and working with cellular concrete on a small scale is here.

A DOE investigation
of aerated concrete for nuclear waste disposal referenced use of
Mearle Geofoam surfactant in water pressurized to 100 psi, then fed
to a foam generator. The foam was then fed directly into a concrete
mixer.